Havza residents protest stone quarry expansion plans

Residents of Taşkaracaören neighborhood in the Havza district of Samsun, Turkey, have protested plans to increase the capacity of a marble and stone quarry crushing-and-screening facility and to establish a new facility.

Local citizens blocked access to a scheduled Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) public information meeting, leading to its cancellation. Protesters also blocked roads and prevented construction company vehicles from entering the area. The Havza District Gendarmerie Command deployed security measures to prevent potential tensions.

Local resident Osman Uzun stated that existing quarry operations have covered homes and agricultural lands in white limestone dust, which he claims directly impacts public health. Residents noted that a court had previously annulled a prior EIA report for the project, but they continue to oppose any expansion until current environmental issues are resolved.